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NHLPA votes to approve hybrid icing

Joni Pitkanen's injury was one of the reasons for the new rule of hybrid icing. (Chris Seward/Getty Images)

The National Hockey League Players Association approved hybrid icing after having it tested during the preseason slate of games, the league announced.

Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly made the announcement Monday on NHL Live and said the measure passed through a league-wide vote.

Hybrid icing will effectively end players racing to the the boards on icing plays.

According to the league, officials will now have the authority to whistle the play dead if a player from the opposing team reaches the dot inside the nearest faceoff circle before a player from the offending team.

The rule was put in place to avoid serious injuries like the one suffered by Carolina Hurricanes defenseman Joni Pitkanen. Pitkanen suffered a heel injury and will miss the entire 2013-14 season after he crashed into the boards last April in a game against the Washington Capitals.